Stratford Hockey Club Welcomes Renowned Indigenous Artist Maxine Noel as Indigenous Advisor
The Stratford Hockey Club is proud to announce that Maxine Noel, CM, a renowned Indigenous artist and longtime Stratford community member, has joined the organization as the team’s *Indigenous Advisor*.
In this new role, Ms. Noel will guide the club in developing an Indigenous and community engagement plan, while working directly with players to help deepen their understanding of the truth and reconciliation process and their responsibilities as community leaders.
A proud member of the Santee Oglala Sioux Nation, Maxine Noel—whose Sioux name is Ioyan Mani, meaning “to walk beyond”—is a Member of the Order of Canada, a residential school survivor, and one of Canada’s most celebrated artists. Her work, widely exhibited across the country, is known for its flowing lines and spiritual depth, reflecting both strength and serenity.
Over the past 40 years, Ms. Noel’s art and advocacy have inspired cross-cultural understanding and healing. Her piece Not Forgotten became a national symbol honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, with proceeds supporting the Native Women’s Association of Canada. In Stratford, she has contributed significantly to community arts and educational initiatives, helping build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
In her advisory role, Ms. Noel has also provided thoughtful guidance to the team as it continues to wear its traditional Warrior Chief emblem during the *50th anniversary season*. She will lead a comprehensive review and consideration of the team’s symbol, ensuring it honours Indigenous culture respectfully and meaningfully.
To mark this important partnership and in recognition of Ms. Noel’s contributions, the Stratford Hockey Club will make a donation in her honour to both the Stratford Connection Centre, which supports people experiencing homelessness, and to Nshwaasnangong Child Care & Family Centre, operated by the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre in London, Ontario.
The Stratford Hockey Club celebrates this opportunity to work alongside Ms. Noel as the team moves forward with renewed commitment to inclusion, understanding, and reconciliation.
